A new independent touring organisation called Music in The Regions Ltd has been announced. With a mission to connect classical musicians with regional audiences, it will support NSW musicians and small-to-medium ensembles so they can tour to places not usually visited by classical musicians, and spend time with local communities.

The initiative began when the Create NSW Classical Music Artform Advisory Board made a recommendation to Minister of the Arts Don Harwin at the end of last year.

Naseema Sparks. Photo supplied

Speaking to Limelight, Naseema Sparks, who chairs Create NSW’s Classical Music, Opera and Choral Artform Advisory Board, says: “Obviously the Boards assess applications [for funding] but then there is a strategic discussion that board members hold to look at gaps in the market and assess capacity building strategic options.”

“Then when you meet with the Minister you go through your recommendations for funding. This came out of the Classical Music Board but it was something the Minister had been thinking about in his own way, so it was a convergence of ideas.”

Minister Harwin commissioned a feasibility study. Conducted by Mary Jo Capps, it found that although some valuable...